Mayweather vs. McGregor: ‘The Fight of the Century’

Whether you’re a hard-core boxing fan or a dedicated MMA enthusiast, the super-fight between Conor ‘The Notorious’ McGregor and Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr will not be one to be missed. This unprecedented event, which will see a two-weight UFC world champion make his debut in professional boxing, against arguably the finest boxer of an entire generation, will aim to become the highest grossing event in the history of combat sports. The expected revenue? $500 million plus.

Many are considering it a mega-show, rather than a boxing match, but nevertheless, it will be two high profile, and high-class fighters pitting their wits against each other on August 26, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Despite having never competed in a single professional boxing bout in his life, many optimists still believe the Dubliner possesses the necessary attributes to finally inflict a loss on Mayweather. People may analyse his strength and power. They point to Mayweather’s age and ring absence. They may even draw hope on McGregor’s national schoolboy title back as a 16-year-old boxer. But, many have tried, and many have failed; Mayweather’s professional record cannot be questioned. Even the most elite boxers, the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, and Oscar De La Hoya, couldn’t land a significant strike on him.

So, as you may have guessed, those favouring Mayweather Jr to break Rocky Marciano’s remarkable record and secure his 50th consecutive win, far outweigh those adamant McGregor will cause a huge upset by defeating the undefeated. This very doubt, which has followed McGregor his whole career like a bad smell, will surely motivate him once more. All of the fans’ doubt was only too apparent when he faced legendary UFC fighter Jose Aldo; they were stating he kicks too hard, he’s too good, he’s on another level. So, why did it take the Irishman merely 13 seconds to destroy him so viciously?

Mayweather himself has also faced plenty of disbelievers over his outstanding career. So many incredible boxers were supposed to beat him. Canelo Alvarez was predicted to have too much strength, size, and youthful exuberance. Manny Pacquiao was destined to be way too quick and powerful. Ricky Hatton’s aggression and fierce body punching was going to tear him apart. Yet, he retired in 2015 with no losses on his record.

Boxing is a sport that can produce the unexpected, though. Over the years we’ve seen huge upsets, the likes of Michael Spinks gifting Larry Holmes his first defeat after previously accumulating 48 successive wins, or Buster Douglas incredibly stopping “Iron” Mike Tyson. That’s the attraction of the sport, two warriors fighting in a confined space with the potential for any one of them to get hurt and defeated.

Floyd is the master of the ‘Philly Shell’. It is a defensive art that he has perfected over his career; hit and do not get hit and make them miss then make them pay are the two mantra’s he has followed religiously every single fight. Yes, it may have earnt him the label of a defensive fighter and unpopular with the fans, but Mayweather isn’t the type of man to be involved in blood-drenched wars to please anyone, as long as he secures the victory without receiving punishment he’s done his job.

Personally, I doubt there is a boxer existing that holds a greater ring I.Q than Floyd Mayweather; his awareness, anticipation, and ability to react to a punch that he has already prepared for with a duck or his iconic shoulder-roll is mesmerising. This, coupled with his clever offensive arsenal, support his claim of ‘The Best Ever’. The pound-for-pound king executes his underrated jab effectively, throws sharp, well-timed check-hooks which prevent the pressure from his opponent and classy counters do enough to allow him to win almost every round.

So how does a professional boxing novice defeat him?

McGregor is a thunderous striker within UFC; his timing, speed and accuracy work in harmony with the devastating power generated through his left fist. He loves to stand and trade punches but does so intelligently, exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses to demonstrate his strengths… that explosive left hand. You could also argue, if there’s any time to emerge victorious from a contest with Money Mayweather, it’s now. When they step into the ring on August 26, the American will be 40 years old with a ring absence of two years, so may be more susceptible to catching shots due to a reduction in speed and reflexes. If, and that’s a big if, McGregor can land that big shot, most believe his extra power could pay dividends against a shorter opponent in Mayweather.

With the antics at the recent world promotional tour which seen the pair engage in verbal wars in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and London, the staggering hype of this spectacle will make it unmissable. Therefore, will all the romantics get their wish, and see the young, 28-year-old southpaw from Dublin take his ‘punchers chance’ with both hands. Or, will it be just another day in the office for ‘Pretty Boy’ Mayweather?

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